On 11th August 2025, the Supreme Court of India ordered that all stray dogs in Delhi-NCR must be captured and placed in shelters within eight weeks. The aim: reduce dog bites and rabies cases that have alarmed citizens.
But this order isn’t just controversial. It’s a betrayal of compassion, law, and common sense. India’s street dogs deserve better than cages.
India’s Tradition of Compassion
India has always celebrated compassion towards animals. From temples that feed strays to community dog feeders who care for colonies, kindness is deeply embedded in our culture. Stray dogs aren’t “pests” — they are part of our neighbourhoods.
Locking them away in overcrowded shelters breaks those bonds. It punishes dogs for existing and citizens for caring.
Violating ABC Rules
India already has a framework to manage stray dogs: the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, supported by multiple Supreme Court judgments.
The rules mandate the CNVR method (Catch-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return) as the only humane and legal solution. Sterilised and vaccinated dogs are to be returned to their territory, not locked up.
This order contradicts ABC Rules entirely. It risks undoing decades of sterilisation progress and sets a dangerous precedent for future animal welfare cases.
Why Shelters Cannot Replace Streets
Even the best shelters struggle with space and resources. Forcing them to absorb thousands of dogs will create overcrowding, disease outbreaks, and immense suffering.
A shelter is not a solution. For most dogs, it will mean a slow death sentence behind bars.
The Safer, Kinder Way
- Expand sterilisation drives until at least 70% of dogs are covered.
- Mass vaccinate dogs to wipe out rabies.
- Educate communities about responsible pet ownership and adoption.
- Support feeders and rescuers who are the backbone of India’s compassion.
This is not just kinder. It’s more effective.
Conclusion
India must not trade compassion for cages. The Delhi dog ban is neither legal, practical, nor humane.
💙 True safety comes from compassion and science — not from locking away innocent lives.